We are back this week with a massive Universal Orlando update, where some amazing new details have been revealed about the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank and more.  The look inside will amaze you.

Diagon Alley and Escape from Gringotts

We are just a few weeks away from the opening of this amazing new land, and while people might be focusing on the Magic Kingdom’s Mine Train, Universal Orlando has unveiled more Harry Potter project details and a first look with what the animatronics guests will encounter in the queue for the Escape from Gringotts attraction. Universal has also made sure the height requirement for this ride comes in at 42″ to make this attraction more accessible to younger visitors.

Goblins on Gringotts
The very detailed animatronic
Gringotts Bank Lobby Queue
Gringotts Bank Lobby Queue

Escape from Gringotts Ride Vehicle and Loading area
Escape from Gringotts Ride Vehicle and Loading area
Guest will encounter Bellatrix Strange on their journey into Gringotts
Guest will encounter Bellatrix Lestrange on their journey into Gringotts

When watching the preview of the ride, you learn that guests will come face to face with Voldemort on this new attraction… along with a dragon!

Dragon on the Escape from Gringotts Ride at Universal Orlando
Dragon on the Escape from Gringotts Ride at Universal Orlando

 

Construction Update

As we look at the construction of the London Facade, we see that some of the amazing finishing details are being added to the London area.  The street light poles have been installed, the amazing fountain with angel on top has been installed, the berm is almost complete, and the old Amity bathrooms have received a muted brown paint job that will allow it to blend into the existing area.  The clock is counting down and soon guests will be able to explore this area.

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We’ve been expecting light poles to be installed here, but these are just amazing.

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On the side of the new land, they are obscuring the show buildings with a tree and shrub covered berm.

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We can still see what they are trying to hide here . . . for now.

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With the video and concept art, this ride is going to be groundbreaking on so many different levels.  We can’t wait to experience it when it opens this summer.

Hogwarts Express

Universal also unveiled some video of the Hogwarts Express, where we get our first peek at the London to Hogsmeade and Hogsmeade to London trip that guests will be taking.  From the screenshots we took from the video, it looks like this will be a journey that young and old will enjoy.

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CityWalk

Over in CityWalk all the projects are progressing quickly as they try to get things complete for the big summer crowds.

CowFish

Upstairs at CityWalk, above what will be Vivo is CowFish, guests will enjoy Burger-Sushi fusion cuisine and will be able to enjoy beautiful views.

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Universal Studio Store

The studio store is now enclosed from the elements and it’s main facade is moving forward.

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World Famous Hot Dogs

Next to the Studio Store and Antojitos, World Famous Hot Dogs is getting closer to opening. They are currently building the Jumbotron, over hang, and gazebo.

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Breadbox and Menchies

Breadbox and Menchies are now under wraps as they get built out.

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Did anything spark your interest in this week’s update? What you are looking forward to most this summer in Orlando?

Now, we invite you to listen to the exciting E-Ticket Report.

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Eric Davis
By day, Eric is in Marketing and Social Media. But on the weekends, he's a theme park addict. Eric is a frequent contributor to MiceChat's Orlando Parkhopper columns and tends to focus his efforts on what's new and what's news at Universal Studios and SeaWorld.